This was part of a show that aired on October 4, 2024, that covered Crémant wines. Being in October Country, suspense and horror films were also on tap.
I have loved horror films since I was a child, sometimes covering my eyes, but never hiding behind the couch, so there’s that. The first of these led me to the novels of Ray Bradbury, Richard Matheson, H.P. Lovecraft and later Stephen King.
Not everyone likes to be scared that much, just as some will pass on boarding a roller-coaster, even if their height is above the level allowed. Also, the amount of violence associated with some novels and even more so in movies based on them can be too much for some people.
Personally I don’t like excessive gore, just enough to get the point across. No pun intended, or maybe I did? And I hate folks doing idiotic things that will instantly make them a Darwinian award winner. How did they even live this long? And also dead teenager movies, as Ebert called them, who are only there to add to the body count. I prefer characters I care about, even if they’re put in jeopardy.
The different categories of horror also relate to our innermost fears; which ones can’t you watch?
- Body horror, when your body turns against you and stuff falls off or is transformed into . . . something else. Cronenberg’s The Fly (1986)
- Claustrophobia has many manifestations like being trapped in a stopped elevator. Worse if everyone trapped with you are also claustrophobic. Caves also provide plenty of scares and cave-ins or flooded caves are even worse. Descent (2005) did this very well.
- Drowning, either in a sinking ship, a flood, or falling into water. Related would be a mud slide or an avalanche. Titanic (1997) while not a horror movie still provided plenty of chills.
- Haunted house, which includes ghosts, strange noises, shifting rooms or perspective or being trapped in a house that will not let you leave. And it could be a spaceship as Alien (1979).
- Supernatural events are a broad category that includes religious imagery, demons, ghosts, hobgoblins, witches and satanic creatures. The Exorcist (1973) certainly made this a popular sub-genre choice. M.R. James, a medieval scholar of Eton and Cambridge (1862-1936) is considered the father of ghost stories.
- Monsters are another broad category that includes oversized creatures, aliens and other Sci-Fi creatures. Extended it would also include human monsters like serial killers and other deranged beings. King Kong (1933) with its stop-animation began a whole series of these pictures.
- Unexplained or psychological horror is a subtler form of horror that builds over time and tricks our mind into imaging what is not there, or failing to see what really is there. Henry James short story, The Turning of the Screw was the basis of many horror movies including, The Innocents (1961) with Deborah Kerr.
Horror Sequels
Sequels in book and film are a very common and expected tradition. While many novels rely on a continuing character, or a series of them, horror movie sequels often build more on the original theme and often do not enlarge it as much as repeat it.
At times I wish I could drive a stake through these ongoing sequels, but they are more un-killable than a horde of zombies or vampires. Here are a few contrasting examples.
Jaws (1972) was a well-crafted, scary and involving story with three main characters; two of whom survived in the movie if not in the book. Jaws 2 lost the oceanographer and while still an exciting movie, it was clearly the lesser of the two. By the time Jaws 3 or 4 showed up; sorry I lost count, it had gotten ridiculous with the surviving Ellen Brody character, trying to escape the shark that held a grudge. To escape she goes to, you guessed it, another island. And somehow although she flew there the shark was there waiting. I didn’t think sharks could get frequent flyer miles; how did this happen?
And now we have sand sharks; that’s just in case you’re on dry land. And then there’s Sharknado, so they really can fly! And there are sequels to this most idiotic of shark themes.
Vampire movies have been with us for several decades in book and film, but the best build on the basic theme and find imaginative ways to explore it. Some are teen-oriented, some focus on the erotic and others become a new TV series. Some are a reboot, but most attempt reimagining what it’s like to live forever, or until that inevitable stake in the heart.
In the Frankenstein movies, the monster was revived countless times, but faded into the forties in the Abbott & Costello horror comedies. Hammer revived this monster, but found imaginative ways to explore the theme, and the always reliable Peter Cushing was an excellent Dr. Frankenstein.
Since Shelly’s book is generally called the first science fiction novel; writers and filmmakers have always found Frankenstein a reliable trope and included him in time travel and as an immortal that does good and rights wrongs.
Victor himself has become immortal in the Dean Coontz series of five Frankenstein novels with an intelligent monster pursuing the doctor who is creating a race of immortals. My point is that it is possible to build on an original theme or character, but too often within the horror genre it only adds more gore or gratuitous nudity and zero imagination.
And I know none of us like gratuitous nudity!
Folk Horror Movies
Well, I suppose we should start this section with a definition of folk horror, although the movies I’ll be selecting will do that as well. Folk horror deals with many historical elements, myth, superstition, witchcraft and our responses to them, which are not always the same in time and place. Many English films have used the tropes of folk horror to tell their tale. In fact, that is the launching point for a brilliant documentary on the concept of folk horror, which is importantly unique to every country and cultural as a spinner of occult tales.
The documentary is called, Woodlands Dark And Days Bewitched: A History Of Folk Horror (2021). The documentary explores several films under the rubric of folk horror even though it was film critics who first used the term.
Three of the most influential Witchfinder General (1968), Blood on Satan’s Claw (1971) and The Wicker Man (1973) are reviewed early in this very long film: 3:14 hours.
Every critic of the film added that one should bring a notebook to write down some of the insights and then record film titles one will want to see later. Every culture has its folklore, myths and local legends that can be adapted to book and film and each puts a unique spin on the tales derived from them.
As an example; contrast 1968’s Witchfinder General (Original title: Matthew Hopkins: Witchfinder General), covering the exploits of Matthew Hopkins, a historically figure who slaughtered hundreds in his quest to destroy those following Satan.
A much subtler approach was used in The Witch (2015), about a family in 1630s New England, torn apart by the forces of witchcraft, black magic and possession. This movie pre-dates the time of the Salem Witchcraft trials, but expresses the superstitious mindset of those living in Massachusetts at the time. The movie shows one family, living at the edge of dense woods, as a microcosm of the factors that led to the mass of hangings and burnings that erupted later. It also explores the isolation and rural setting found in most folk horror stories.
Both movies are classic folk horror films of similar events; one in England, the other in New England, but each evolving from their own unique history, folklore and mythology.
For The Witch I’m going with Michel Tissot 2017 Vin Jaune Cote de Jura. Vin Jaune is also called the gold of Jura and is a Sherry-like wine with a yellow gold color that comes from long oak aging. It’s not fortified and is usually in the 13-15% ABV range.
Haxan (1922): Dir Benjamin Christensen
A silent film that has some of the most frightening imagery ever put on film. Even though this quasi-documentary about pagan rites and witchcraft through the ages was inspired, one would have trouble seeing a narrative evolve from it. But this is where folk horror had its beginnings, even if it was 49 years before the term was used for 1971’s The Blood on Satan’s Claw.
A dusty old Bordeaux would go well with this or maybe a Negroni (Campari, sweet Vermouth, gin). Try the Negroni with one large ice cube and taste the differences as it melts.
The Curse of the Demon (1957): Dir Jacques Tourneur, Dana Andrews, Niall MacGinnis
Based on M.R. James Casting of the Runes, it uses ancient forms of magic with an Aliester Crowley modern-day magician to evoke its spells. Tourneur began his work with The Black Cat (1942) and established his atmospheric and understated horror approach, culminating in this still very watchable tale. The design of the demon was inspired by old woodcuts of a demonic image.
If you’d like a follow-up to the vin jaune, try a NV Mas Peyre Le Demon de Midi Rancio Sec – Côtes Catalanes, Languedoc-Roussillon, France. The wine has the light, tropical, floral and somewhat waxy characteristics of Macabeu, from which the wine is made plus the nutty, high-acid notes of a Rancio, where elevage in partially-filled barrels creates an oxidative environment. Bottled at an average of six years of age, the “Demon di Midi” (noonday demon) takes on notes of almond, garrigue. honey and leather, with distinct saline/umami flavors emerging at the finish. Drink chilled and neat as an aperitif with strong cheeses like Roquefort, Bleu d’Auvergne or Reblochon. Gnarlywines.Com
Black Sunday (1960): Dir Mario Bava, Barbara Steele
Original title: La maschera del demonio (the mask of the devil) has many of the trappings of folk horror and is loosely-based on Nicolas Gogol’s 1830 novel, Viv, which was more accurately done in 1967 as Viv. The imagery Bava uses generates all the horror one could wish for without CGI effects, but establishing one of the most atmospheric horror films of all time. The setting in a cobweb-enshrouded castle with hidden passages can still chill the blood. A verified masterpiece.
I’m going with an Anne de K Pinot Blanc, 2019 from Alsace. According to Wine Enthusiasts this 90 point wine for a modest $17 carries “clean aromas of apples and salinity, like a cool breeze. Prickling acidity dances on the palate, carrying those same fruit and mineral notes. The finish is long and salty, for a wine that’s crisp and quite refreshing.” Salty with salinity should chase some of those cobwebs away.
The Witchfinder General (1968) : Dir Michael Reeves, Vincent Price, Ian Ogilvy
Although dated now, it still packs a punch and Price’s turn as Hopkins still chills to the bone. Technically this film began the folk horror trend that continued through the 1970s. The period details were well-done, with more blood-splatter then previous horror movies.
How about a “burned at the stake wine” which is a phrase for a high alcohol wine with a very strong, full-bodied flavor that might be overwhelming for some palates. A Napa Howell Mountain Cabernet will do just that and it might lead to howls.
Mark of the Devil (1970): Dir M. Armstrong/Adrian Hoven, Herbert Lom, Udo Kier
Set in 1700s Austria, almost as a follow-up to the Price film, we have the savage acts of torture brought more shockingly to life. Some copies deleted the most intense scenes, but an uncut copy, ironically, has all the cuts left in. Here, an actor of countless horror films, a young Udo Kier, is the romantic lead.
You can counter this with a Casillero del Diablo Devil’s Collection from Concha Y Toro, one of their most popular reds, year round.
The Blood on Satan’s Claw (1971): Dir Piers Haggard, Barry Andrews, Linda Hayden
If, after watching this mind-bending film, you wish you were on drugs, it’s possible so was the cast. However, this was the film that earned the folk horror label first. Like most of these films its set in an isolated village in the indeterminate 1600-1700 milieu.
Typically there was no help from the outside, as isolation and fear take over the narrative. All of the main actors are not to be trusted, each with their own hidden agenda, so the viewer is left in weird village with people they cannot trust, and asked to comprehend the mysteries that crop up one after the other. The director was the grandson of adventure writer H. Rider Haggard, of Kings Salomon’s Mine and She. Some of it probably rubbed off.
A Crémant de Die would work here, but de Die is pronounced da-de. It still might freak out your friends.
The Wicker Man (1973): Dir Robin Hardy, Edward Woodard, Christopher Lee, Britt Eckland
I doubt anyone that has already seen this movie has forgotten it. The setting, the atmosphere, the queer folk who live there, Lee’s dramatic performance, Woodard’s subtle reading of Sgt. Howie and Eckland’s sensuous dance, helped create a masterpiece of folk horror that’s never been equaled.
So good was the plot that’s it’s been recycled countless times, but never the equal of this movie. Stephen King used the plot in his short story Children of the Corn (1977) that led to numerous films. His Pet Sematary (1989) also contained elements of folk horror.
How about a wicker bottle like Bellini Chianti Straw Bottle? At $16 it’s festive and makes a great candle holder afterward. No need to recycle.
The Lair of the White Worm (1988): Dir Ken Russell, Amanda Donahue, Hugh Grant
Russell’s first venture into folk horror was 1971’s The Devils, but here takes on a local legend of the white worm from a story by Bram Stoker. It all begins with the uncovering of an old fossil, like something that hasn’t been seen in centuries, but was still celebrated, more-or-less, by a modern ritual of the slaying of the D’Ampton Worm. No points if you guessed the present Lord D’Ampton (Grant) ends up slaying the beast. Even if he’s played by Hugh Grant. But it’s Donahue’s turn as a seductive snake-fanged creature that steals the show.
The 2019 Priest Ranch Snake Oil will not ward off the effects of a snake bite, but at 110 bills it will take a bite out of your pocketbook. Rated 93 points by Wine Advocate.
Recent Comments